He outlined the extent of the damage across the state, including more than 1,300 uninhabitable properties in the Bundaberg region.

Mr Newman says recent events will mark a turning point in the state's response to natural disasters.

"This event will be seen by future historians as a game changer, that made the government of the day make a bold, new approach," he told the House.

"Today we commit to building a more resilient Queensland.

"We make this commitment because it makes common sense, and it makes economic sense."

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says there are important lessons to learn and the rebuilding effort must begin urgently.

She told the House that the level of disaster damage is shocking.

"Each of us was disbelieving that this could happen again so soon after our tragedy of the summer of 2010-11," she said.

"We were horrified that we would again be witnessing scenes of utter despair and heartbreak.

"We were once again reminded of the high price we must all too frequently pay for calling Queensland home."

Ms Palaszczuk thanked the workers and volunteers.

"Selflessness and self sacrifice, in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds," she said.

Question Time will not be held today.

Bates row

When regular proceedings do resume, the Opposition says it will quiz the Government over embattled Arts Minister Ros Bates.

The Opposition says Ms Bates should have included a lunch organised by a lobbying firm on her lobbyist contact register.

Yesterday, Ms Bates was asked if she should have erred on the side of caution, given that last year she tabled an incorrect contact register in Parliament.

"Obviously there's a learning curve for everybody," Ms Bates said.

Mr Newman stood by Ms Bates yesterday, saying she just gave a speech and was not lobbied to change Government policy.

"She has fully complied with the law," he said.

Ms Palaszczuk says she will be asking Ms Bates more questions in Parliament.

"To show just how incompetent this Minister is," Ms Palaszczuk said.

She says Ms Bates has had plenty of time to learn.

"She's been a minister for nearly a year," she said.

'Loose alliance'

Meanwhile, three Queensland independent MPs plan to work together to hold the Newman Government to greater account.

Last year's sittings wrapped up with Liberal National Party MP Ray Hopper defecting to Katter's Australian Party, and two others, Alex Douglas and Carl Judge, becoming independents.

Sunshine Coast MP Peter Wellington says he has formed an alliance with Gaven MP Alex Douglas and Carl Judge, the Member for Yeerongpilly.

Mr Wellington says the trio has a common mistrust of Mr Newman and his Government.

He says he has had several meetings with Dr Douglas and Mr Judge.

"What we've really found is that we have a common lack of trust in Premier Newman and his Government in that he will say whatever he can get away with, even if it appears there's no truth to that," he said.

"We've had a number of meetings and we're looking forward to working as three independents - a loose alliance of three independents to try to keep the Government to account as best we can."

Mr Wellington says they will work together in Parliament when asking questions or speaking on a Bill.

"We will try and put those three questions in a block," he said.

"Similar with the Katter party - they have got similar issues and so we're happy to work with them.

"Also I've been speaking with the Leader of Opposition Business in State Parliament and they are saying they are more than happy to be reasonable so that we can maximise the force of three non-aligned independents where we can."